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Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in a long time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of executives with more miserable track records—his demise was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. If the absence of crucial stars not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal members, he might remain in the role—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Simply sensible management of this talented squad is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.